USA > New York > Suffolk County > Portrait and biographical record of Suffolk county (Long Island) New York, Pt. 2 > Part 18
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are also active in Sunday-school work and are valued members of the Presbyterian Church.
Dr. Miles is a son of Russell Miles, of Welsh ancestry, dating back several generations. His mother was Rachel Jones Bradley, of Lowell, Mass., a descendant of the historical Hannah Dustin, of Haverhill, Mass., of Indian fame. The Doctor is a pleasant and agreeable gentleman and his influence is often solicited in the promo- tion of leading movements which have in view the upbuilding of the village.
T HOMAS SHEPARD MOUNT. To be descended from the honored pioneers through whose self-sacrificing efforts the present prosperity of Suffolk County was gained and to whose keen judgment succeeding genera- tions owe an incalculable debt of gratitude, is an honor of which one may be justly proud. Nor is it a less honor to be allied, by ties of consanguin- ity, with those who have contributed to the eleva- tion of art and the promulgation of artistic tastes. The name borne by the subject of this sketch is one which has gained lustre in American art, and has been known in circles where genius is the "open sesame" to all doors of culture and refine- ment. He is a son of the late Henry Smith Mount, A. N. A., who, with his brothers, Shepard Alonzo Mount, N. A., and William Sidney Mount, N. A., was an early member of the Na- tional Academy of Design; the name Mount hay- ing become, through them, generally and very favorably known to lovers of American art.
Tracing the ancestry of Mr. Mount, we find that in one line he is descended from Col. William Smith, more generally known as "Tangier," and patentee in Brook Haven. The patentee's oldest son, Henry, was born in Tangier in 1679, while his father was Governor there, and chose as his wife, Anna, daughter of Rev. Thomas Shepard, of Charlestown, Mass. Penelope, daughter of their son, Dr. Gilbert Smith, married Thomas Mount, the great-grandfather of the subject of this sketch.
On the side of his mother, who bore the maiden name of Mary B. Ford, Mr. Mount is descended from Jacob Ford, of Morristown, N. J., a Revo- lutionary hero and one of General Washington's aides. In another line he is descended from Rev. Abraham Pierson, who was born in Yorkshire, England, and in 1632 graduated from Trinity College, Cambridge; later becoming "profoundly puritanized," he came to America, where he held a pastorate in Newark, N. J. He was the father of the first president of Yale College.
Such, in brief, is the record of the ancestry of Mr. Mount. From it the reader will notice that those to whom he traces his lineage were men of valor, patriotic spirit, intelligence and culture, who happily united in their lives the gentler do- mestic virtues with the stern principles of their creed. Identified with many of the movements that contributed to the growth of this county, they counted no sacrifice too great if thereby our nation would be profited and the welfare of the people promoted. To such as these, the county owes the high position it has always held in the galaxy of counties of the Empire State.
Referring to the personal history of the subject of this sketch, it may be said that he was born in the city of New York, although the family resi- dence, at the time, was where he now resides with his sisters, at Stony Brook. It is a colonial dwell- ing, which has continuously been the home of his ancestors for more than two hundred years. In this home the artist brothers, Mount, had their studios, and here many eminent works of art have been produced.
The education received by Mr. Mount was the best the schools of the state afforded. After hav- ing graduated from the New York University, he carried on the study of law in New York City and the Albany Law School, gaining a thorough theoretical knowledge of the profession, which has since been supplemented by broad experience in all its technicalities. He has his principal law office in the old family residence at Stony Brook, but spends much of his time at his Brooklyn office.
A stanch Democrat in his political views, Mr. Mount has always given his support and alles- iance to the principles of that party. In public
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affairs his services have been large and important. For several terms he was elected School Commis- sioner for the western district of Suffolk County, and successfully carried forward the work of ad- vancing the cause of education there, so auspi- ciously commenced by his immediate predecessor, Hon. William Nicoll. The high standing of the schools of the county will bear witness of the ef- ficient services performed. In the Presbyterian Church, of which he is a member, he holds of- ficial position and for many years has been active in Sunday-school work.
H CHATFIELD SMITH, the owner of a valuable farm of three hundred acres, lying near Kings Park, was born in the town of Smithtown, March 29, 1843, being a son of Ebenezer W. and Phoebe R. (Doxsee) Smith, natives respectively of the towns of Smithtown and Islip. His paternal grandfather, D. Willis Smith, was a son of David Smith, a representa- tive of both of the original families of "Tangier" and "Bull" Smiths. He attained a great age, pass- ing. away on the ninety-sixth anniversary of his birth, while his wife had died a few years pre- vious, aged ninety-two.
The father of our subject was born April II, 1815, and spent his life principally on the farm now owned by our subject, which property has been in possession of the family at least four gen- erations. A successful farmer, he kept the place under excellent cultivation and maintained a high character of improvements. In religious belief both he and his wife were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and in their lives ex- emplified the sincerity of their faith. His wife died March 30, 1888. They left two sons, H. Chat- field and Theodore, the latter living in Smithtown.
The youthful years of our subject were spent on the home farm, and he gained the rudiments of his education in the common schools of this vicinity. Later he was a student in the Brooklyn schools, after which he completed his studies in Ft. Edward Institute, in Washington County, N.
Y. At the age of twenty-one lie began farming on a portion of the old homestead. November 24, 1869, he was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of John S. Huntting, of Smithtown Branch, a prominent citizen of that place, who for twenty-six consecutive years held the office of Justice of the Peace. The paternal grandfather, Joseph R. Huntting, also a man of prominence, served for many years as County Judge, and held other offices of trust.
Since his marriage Mr. Smith has resided at the old homestead, upon which he has made many valuable improvements, and which he devotes to general farming and stock-raising. Politically he is a believer in the Democracy and votes for the men and measures advocated by that party. An active member of the Presbyterian Church, he has for many years held the offices of Elder and Trus- tee. For twelve years he has been Commissioner of Highways, and for three years has filled the position of Assessor of the town. He and his wife are the parents of three sons and one daugh- ter, namely: Joseph Willis Jonas, named in honor of his three great-grandfathers, who were living at the time of his birth; Edgar T., May E., and Henry C., Jr.
A NDREW ACKERLY. To those who have labored assiduously to secure the growth of the oyster business and increase its magnitude, great credit is due, for they have fos- tered one of the principal industries of the island. To no one. more than to Mr. Ackerly, should rec- ognition be given of his connection with the oyster business in the vicinity of Northport. He it was, who, believing that this was a splendid locality for the growing of oysters, first embarked in the in- dustry and proved, by his own success, the truth of his theory.
The parentage and ancestral history of Mr. Ackerly may be found by referring to the sketch of his brother, Hon. Nathaniel, presented on an- other page. He was born at Little Neck, across the harbor from Northport. November 4. 1846. His opportunities for gaining an education were
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indeed limited, but by observation and self-cul- ture he has been enabled to counteract the lack of early advantages. He was among the first to take up grounds for growing oysters in this vicinity, and the earliest in Northport. Hefully understands the business and is well equipped for its success- ful prosecution. To assist in the work, he has a private dock and steamer landing. He also owns a steamer, and has every facility for the maintenance of the business.
Mr. Ackerly has a nice home on the bay, where he and his wife, formerly Mary Olmstead, and their daughter, Edna Chase, reside. While he has never taken an active part in political affairs, yet he is interested in the local and national issues, and gives his allegiance to the Republican party, believing its principles, if carried out in practice, will best subserve the welfare of the nation. He and his wife are members of and regular attend- ants at the Methodist Episcopal Church, and are respected in social circles.
C APT. HENRY GILLETTE, a retired sea captain living in the beautiful village of Patchogue, was born in Bayport, town of Islip, this county, August 11, 1837. His parents were Edgar and Jane (Mills) Gillette, natives of the town of Brook Haven. They were well-to- do farmers and the father died on his estate in the town of Islip, in September, 1893, when ciglity-three years of age.
The parental household included five children, of whom three are now living, namely: Edward S., a farmer of Bayport, Suffolk County; Henry, of this history, and Jane E., who married Moses McMath, and occupies the old home place at Bayport. Daniel G. died when in his eighteenth year, and Isaac S. lived to be thirty-eight years of age.
On the death of his first wife the father of our subject married Miss Amy Wicks, of Brook Haven, who died several years ago, leaving a son. John E. Gillette, who died at the age of twenty-eight years. Edgar Gillette was the pro- prietor of a large farm, embracing two hundred
acres of excellent land, and here our subject spent the first sixteen years of his life. He then went to sea and for thirty-five years was engaged in coasting and also trading with foreign countries.
After performing the duties of a boy before the mast our subject was made second mate of his vessel and in this capacity sailed to Mobile. He occupied this post for about two years, when he was promoted to be first mate, and held that position on various vessels. At twenty-one years of age he was master of the coasting vessel "Nep- tune's Bride," with which he crossed the Atlantic to London with a cargo of naval stores. After- ward for twelve years he held an interest in the "Moses B. Bramhall," a three-masted schooner, which made trips to the West Indies and Mexico, engaged in the coal trade. Upon selling his stock in this, he bought the "Anna," also a three-masted schooner which was built at Stony Brook. He then made one voyage with the barkentine "Abel Abbott." During the thirty years in which he commanded vessels he never lost a boat and never had but one go ashore, and that he suc- ceeded in getting off without serious injury. He has had a varied and interesting experience on the waters and when relating stories of his voy- ages, never fails to find ready listeners.
For the past seven years the Captain has been taking life easy and has only made one trip in that time. One of his old companions and for eight and one-half years first mate under him, was John O'Donnell, who spent fifty-five years on the Atlantic and is now in Sailor's Snug Harbor.
The lady whom our subject married, May 24, 1862, was Miss M. Louise Moore, a native of Norwich, Conn., but who at the time of her mar- riage was living at Patchogue. She is the daugh- ter of Capt. E. T. Moore, an old and respected resident of this place. To the Captain and his wife there were born the following named chil- dren: Ada M., who married Bryant T. Hudson. of Patchogue and died September 5. 1887, when twenty-two years of age; Edwin Forrest Pres- ton, who departed this life when in his sixth year. and George B., an etcher by trade, now engaged in the steel tape factory of Roe & Sons, of this
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place. The family occupy a commodions home on Main Street, where the parents have lived for twenty-two years.
In social affairs the Captain is one of the oldest Masons belonging to the South Side Lodge. He is also connected with Suwassett Chapter, R. A. M. His wife is a devoted member of the Metho- dist Episcopal Church, and although he does not belong to this denomination, he is liberal in his support of the same. Mrs. Gillette is a member of and takes a keen interest in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and is always ready and willing to render assistance to those worthy of hier help. The Captain keeps a good horse, is the owner of a good yacht and although he has no desire to go on any more long voyages, en- joys fishing and often sails ont to the ocean and spends a day catching blue fish.
W ILLIAM WILTON WOOD. The principal distinction between the suc- cessful business man and the unsuc- cessful one is that the former has had the mental penetration to see his opportunity, and the nerve and skill to grasp and handle it, while the latter has not. It is not paying the man of pluck and brain proper credit to say that luck or fate, exclu- sive of his own industry and ability, has given him his success in life. This is true of such men as William Wilton Wood, to whose efforts and cn- terprise the prosperity and prominence of Hunt- ington Harbor is in a large degree due. While it is true that the natural advantages of the place have been great, it is also truc that the enterprising . spirit of its business men have contributed more to its growth and importance than any other fac- tor.
A natural taste for the lumber business was perhaps inherited by Mr. Wood, whose father, William W. Wood, followed that the greater part of his life, having founded the lumber business now carried on by our subject under the firm name of John Wood & Son. William W. Wood, Sr., was a man of more than ordinary ability and
held a number of local offices, being Justice of the Peace for several years in this district. Hc was among the early lumbermen of his section and possessed in the highest degree the respect and confidence of his contemporaries. He mar- ried Miss Eliza S. Scudder, and of the children born to this union our subject alone survives. The paternal grandparents were Jolm and De- borah (Fleet) Wood. (For further ancestral his- tory see sketch of John F. Wood, of Hunting- ton.)
Our subject's entire life has been spent in Huntington, and he was educated in the Hunting- ton Union School, from which he graduated in 1870. For a number of years he followed the oc- cupation of a farmer and then engaged in the lumber business on the grounds he had previ- ously leased to others. It is doubtful if the vil- lage produces a safer business man than Mr. Wood; certainly not one of greater industry, honesty and success. Although still young in years, his birth having occurred on the 6th of March, 1852, he has become one of the shrewd- est lumbermen of the place, and has gained an en- viable reputation.
In 1879 Mr. Wood married Miss Elizabeth H. Jones, daughter of S. W. Jones, of Huntington, and the five children born to this union are named as follows: Elizabeth H., Anna L., Wil- liam Wilton, Susan J., and Henry Lawrence. In his political views Mr. Wood is an ardent sup- porter of Republican principles, and has served on the School Board, the vestry of St. John's Church, and has been a Director in most of the incorporated companies of the town.
T HOMAS HI. AUSTIN is a blacksmith re- siding at Amityville, with whose weal and woe he has been identified from the time of his birth. Mr. Austin was born bere Jannary 21, 1852, being a son of Daniel and Eliza ( Hulse) Austin. His birth took place on a neighboring farm and there he spent bis boyhood days, enjoy- Ing the same advantages and having the same du-
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ties to perform as many another farmer boy of liis time. He remained at home until fifteen years of age, when he was apprenticed to learn his trade at Woodbury, Queens County, but remained in that place only a few weeks, however, when he re- turned to his native place. Here he secured em- ployment during one summer with Peter Birch, earning enough during this time to pay his board, and then went to Babylon, where he worked for Sammis & Cornelius. He remained with them for four and a half years, during that time receiving fair wages. It is very much to his credit that over and above his expenses he saved several hundred dollars that he laid by for a nest egg. He was then employed by Austin Corbin to work on the Manhattan Beach Railroad, remaining thus en- gaged for two years and nine months. In 1879 he started in the blacksmith business for himself. building his shop where it now stands, and where he has since done a thriving business. Elsewhere will be found a sketch of his brother, Stephen Austin, who for some time took charge of one part of our subject's business, and is now closely connected with his interests.
Mr. Austin was married September 29, 1886, at Riverliead to Mrs. Mary F. (Smith) Whitson. She was a native of Sweet Hollow, Suffolk Coun- ty, and a daughter of John and Mary E. (Van Size) Smith. Mr. Austin is an ardent Republican, casting his vote for U. S. Grant in 1872, and has since been a stanch supporter of the tenets of the Republican platform. In 1882 he was elected Game Constable, in which capacity he served for one year, and has also been a delegate to various political conventions. He is a charter member of New Point Lodge No. 677, I. O. O. F., having at various times filled most of the chairs, is also a member of Unqua Lodge, K. of P., and charter member of the Order of Junior American Me- chanics.
Our subject's second own brother, Sincus R. Austin, enlisted in the United States Navy in September, 1862. From the receiving ship "Min- nesota," in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, he was sent on the gunboat "Louisville," and fought on this vessel under Farragut in Mobile Bay, where he was wounded by the bursting of a shell from the
enemy's guns. Soon after liis discharge he re- turned home after serving a period of nine months, for which he received but $25. In June. 1863, he died, presumably from low vitality in- duced by fever and wounds received in service. So dear was this brother to our subject that he has since identified himself on every occasion with the old soldiers, and has frequently attended their reunions at Washington, D. C., Louisville and other cities.
When Mr. Austin located where he now lives he purchased about one acre of land, going in debt for the most of it. He has prospered greatly in his ventures and has added to his original tract until he now owns fifteen acres, which is for the most part in a high state of cultivation.
C APT. MERRITT S. WOODHULL. A good name, and one written on the roll of the heroes of earth, who fought a good fight and have entered into their reward, is that of Captain Woodhull. He has been seen in these earthly streets, but is seen here no more. Born at Miller's Place August 16, 1824, he was the son of Col. Charles and Polly Woodhull, be- ing the only one of their three children who lived to mature years. His education was good, and was obtained in the public school and at Miller's Academy. At the age of twenty-one he went to sea as a sailor on board a merchant ship running from New York City to Liverpool. After this was a completed voyage he made two trips to China. He was a man of ability and good char- acter, and was soon brought forward into respon- sible positions. Such a combination nearly al- ways wins.
Energy, character, ability, education, readiness in the hour of danger, and fidelity to duty-these are the elements of success in all ages and the world over. So we need not be surprised that presently our subject became Captain Woodhull and that such ships as "The Star of the South." "The City of Augusta," and other steamers were under his command. He was for some time
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commander of a prominent passenger steamer running from New York City to the Southern States. The last ship that he commanded was the "City of Columbia," in 1890, after which he retired from the sea. He died two years later, August 15, 1892.
November 11, 1885, Captain Woodhull mar- ried Mrs. Mary Jones, whose former husband, Benjamin H. Jones, had long been dead. She is a native of this vicinity, and is highly respected by all who know her. Captain Woodhull was successful in his business enterprises. Beginning in very moderate circumstances, he accumulated a fine property long before his retirement from the sea, and was looked upon with admiration by those who knew how carefully he had attend- ed to every duty and how he had risen by sheer honesty and character to a very high place in his chosen profession. His remains are now at rest in the cemetery at Mt. Sinai, and his virtues live on in the memory of those who remember him as a friend and a companion. His widow is still 'living on the home farm, a handsome place of thirty acres.
W ILLIAM F. JENKINS. In the study of the careers of those who have been the architects of their own fortunes in the various departments of business or profession- al life there may often be encountered sugges- tions of inestimable value to those who are just starting out in life for themselves. The men whom we are accustomed to call self-made are well represented in Eastport, which is the home of our subject, and to this class he belongs. He is widely known and highly esteemed, and for many years was a noted teacher of this county. He is now, however, retired from active life and enjoys to the full the comforts of his pleasant home in this village.
Our subject is a native of this state, and was born in Orange County in 1850. His parents were John and Temperance (Smith) Jenkins, also natives of the above county, where they were con-
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tent to pass their entire lives. The father was a mining engineer and a noted mineralogist. He was in love with this business, and in order that he might acquire a thorough familiarity with the science was a hard student in those branches bear- ing on the subject. He had many warm friends among prominent educators of the country, and his death, which occurred in 1884, was keenly felt by all who knew him. His estimable wife survived him only eighteen months, when she, too, departed this life.
The subject of this sketch first attended school at the Chester Academy, Orange County, N. Y. Later we find him located in Kane County, Ill., where he was graduated from the public schools of Elgin. He returned soon after this to New York City and obtained employment as stage ma- chinist in the mechanical department of the Grand Opera House. For several years he held this po- sition and in 1871 came to Long Island, taking up his abode at Eastport. During his school life he had fitted himself to teach, and he took charge of a school at this place. He followed this voca- tion continuously until 1893, when, on account of his eyes being affected by constant application to his books, he was obliged to retire from the school room.
Mr. Jenkins was graduated as a civil engineer, but as his health was poor at that time, did not make a business of it; instead, he thought to re- gain his lost energies by entering the mechanical department of the theatre, and he also considered that this work would be of benefit to him if it should ever become necessary for him to under- take building. Since retiring from the school room he has found a knowledge of his trade very profitable, and he now follows it with good re- . sults.
In July, 1872, William F. Jenkins and Miss Ann E., daughter of Ebenezer Jayne, were unit- ed in marriage. Four children have come to bless their union, namely: Jessie May, the wife of Howard Raynor, of East Quogue, this coun- ty, a beautiful village located on the Atlantic coast; John J., William S., and Cora M., who are at home with their parents.
In his political belief Mr. Jenkins is a Demo-
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crat, and upholds the opinions of his party with vigor. Public-spirited and progressive, he takes an active interest in all that pertains to the welfare of his community and the advancement of those enterprises calculated to prove of public benefit. He is especially interested in school affairs, and is remembered as one of the best educators of the county.
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B ENJAMIN C. KIRKUP. In mentioning those of foreign birth who have become closely identified with the business inter- ests of Suffolk County, we should not forget to present an outline of the life of Mr. Kirkup, for he is one who has fully borne out the reputation of that class of industrious, energetic farmers of English nativity, who have risen to positions of prominence in different portions of the county. He is now living in the town of Southold, where, in addition to general farming, he makes a spe- cialty of seed growing.
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